Queen Ann's womenswear collections never disappoints.
Love this lean, mean but gentle silhouette she's created. The deconstructed, fragmented pieces resemble beautiful and delicate armor; in a sense, this is how brilliant the Balenciaga collection would have been if Nicolas didn't mess it up with the gaudy patterns. And in another sense, this is how I would imagine Helmut Lang to have evolved to-- if he were still designing.
It's very Helmut Lang: the layered pieces, the military and utilitarian touches, the armory, the leanness, the cool and effortless elegance...
It's amazing how after all these years, Ann has never compromised her style: As beautiful a collection as it is, it's not very commercial; except for the fencing-inspired jackets and some vests and tops, I can't really see the remainder of the collection translated well, or practically, for the mere mortal. But I suppose what will sell, will sell very well, and be coveted and prized by the wearer with such a strong and nearly flawless collection to back it up.
Good going Queen Ann.